Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder characterized by abnormal brain activity that causes seizures. Seizures can vary in their symptoms but commonly involve temporary confusion, staring spells, jerking movements, loss of awareness, or changes in emotions and senses. A diagnosis of epilepsy requires at least two unprovoked seizures. Epilepsy affects people of all ages, races and backgrounds. Treatment options include medications or surgery which can control seizures for most people with epilepsy.
2. Overview.
Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder in which brain activity becomes
abnormal,causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior,sensations and
sometimes loss of awareness.
Anyone can develop epilepsy.
Epilepsy affects both males and females of all races,ethnic backgrounds and ages.
Seizure symptoms can vary widely.some people with epilepsy simply stare blankly
for a few seconds during a seizure,while others repeatedly twitch their arms or
legs.
Having a single seizure does not mean you have epilepsy.at least two unprovoked
seizures are gently required for an epilepsy diagnosis.
Treatment with medicines or sometimes surgery can control seizures for the
majority of people with epilepsy.
3. symptoms
Because epilepsy is caused by abnormal activity in the brain,seizures can
affect any process your brain coordinates.seizure signs and symptoms may
include:
Temporary confusion
A starring spell
Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs.
Loss of consciousness or awareness.
Psychic symptoms such as fear,anxiety.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of seizure.in most cases,a person
with epilepsy will tend to have the same type of seizure each time, so the
symptoms will be similar from episode to episode.
4. Types of seizures.
Focal seizure.
when seizures appear to result from abnormal activity in just one area of your
brain,they are called focal seizures.these seizures fall into two categories:
Focal seizures without loss of consciousness.
once called simple partial seizures,these seizures do not cause a loss of
consciousness.they may alter emotions or change the way things
look,smell,feel,taste or sound.they may also result in involuntary jerking of a
body part,such as an arm or leg and spontaneous sensory symptoms such s
tingling,dizziness and flashing lights.
Focal seizure with impaired awareness.
once called complex partial seizures,these seizures involve a change or loss of
consciousness or awareness,during a complex partial seizure, you may stare into
space and not respond normally to your environment or perform repetitive
movements, such as hand rubbing,chewing,swallowing or walking in circles.
5. Generalized seizures.
seizures that appear to involve all areas of the brain are called generalized seizures. Six types of
generalized seizures exist.
Absence seizure-absence seizures previously known as petit mal seizures, often occur in
children and are characterized by staring into space of subtle body movements such as eye
blinking or lip smacking.
Tonic seizure-it causes stiffening of your muscles. These seizures usually affect muscle in your
back, arms and legs and may cause you to fall to the ground.
Atonic seizure-it also known as drop seizure,casue a loss of muscle control, which may cause
you to suddenly fall down.
Clonic seizure-they are associated with repeated or rhythmic, jerking mudcle movements.
Myclonic seizure-it is usually appear as sudden brief jerks of your arms and legs.
Tonic-clonic seizure-It is previously known as grand mal seizure are the most dramatic type of
epileptic seizure and can cause an abrupt loss of consciousness,body stiffening and shaking and
sometimes loss of bladder control or bitting your tongue.
6. Diagnose
A neurological examination-doctor may test your behavior, motor abilities, mental function
and other areas to diagnose your condition.
Blood test-doctor may take a blood sample to check for signs of infections and genetic
conditions or other conditions that may be associated with seizures.